Apr

30

I’m Kay Mackenzie, a designer and author in Santa Cruz, California. My website is By Kay Mackenzie, which has all of my books and patterns on it, plus select notions for the appliqué enthusiast. If this is your first time visiting my blog All About Appliqué, I’m glad you’re here! You’ll find a wealth of information about appliqué — all kinds — here on the blog. If you’re a regular reader or you’ve been here before for one of these hops, welcome back!

I’m delighted to say that this is my sixth time having a block in an issue of 100 Blocks. It’s so much fun! Dogs and cats often work their way into my appliqué designs. This time, I went back to my first love in animals. I was one of those horse-crazy girls, and for awhile we had a little horse Zora, named after the beloved ninth-grade English teacher that all of us kids had going through school.

Me and Zora, circa 19$%&^ oh sorry got a finger cramp. Zora was white with black specks, known as a flea-bitten gray. She was a gentle soul and and she let me ride her bareback all around the countryside for hours.

When I was looking for the photo I found another one, this time of my beautiful late mother when she was young. Maybe it runs in the family. :)

Now you know why I was so pleased that the editors of 100 Blocks chose “Dream Pony” to be in Volume 7!

For my block that’s in the magazine, pictured above, I made a buckskin pony. You can easily change the coat color, mane, and tail to make a whole herd of others!

Palomino

Dapple Gray

Bay

Piebald

Apaloosa

Just a few of the wide range of wonderful ponies in the world.

There are 99 more charming and delightful quilt blocks in Volume 7, made all different ways, so there’s something for everyone. The publishers are offering a free copy of the magazine to a lucky winner! If you’d like a chance to win one, leave a comment here on this post before 7:00 p.m. California time on Monday, May 6.

Thanks a million for visiting, enjoy the hop! Be sure to start each day this week at Quilty Pleasures.

I’m looking forward to lots of ideas and help with applique from this blog.

Kathleen C on
April 30th, 2013 4:29 am

I know a little girl who would love your pony in applique.
The photos of you and your mother are wonderful and surely full of memories for you. I think our quilts can also tell stories about us and our lives.
Thanks very much; I follow your blog in “Old Reader”.

Mary Jo Jones on
April 30th, 2013 4:37 am

Oh my! What horse lover wouldn’t love this block! It brings back memories! Congrats on being in the magazine.

I had a horse for years. When our kids were young we had a Shetland pony and horses for them.

Thanks for the different block ideas and the trip down memory lane.

Karyn Ashley-Smith on
April 30th, 2013 5:40 am

I have nieces that have horses and would LOVE anything I made with this block! One is expecting her first child this fall..what a great baby gift that would make!

Congrats on being in the 100 again!

Bonnie on
April 30th, 2013 5:49 am

Love the pony block… I miss my horses as I have had a few over the years.. what a great quilt this little pony would make, might even think of dressing the pony up in bright colors with bows and flowers on their tails for my grand daughter who loves the My Little Pony toys

Koricard on
April 30th, 2013 5:49 am

I am so glad I found your website. I haven’t done much applique work yet but I am wanting to learn. Your website will be very helpful to me with all your tips and instructions. Thank you.

I’ve been following your website for a long time and I knew you’d have a great block! What fun. In fact, I think it would quilt up as a nice fundraiser for a horse rescue or therapeutic riding program! Thanks for the chance to win!

I was on a pony once at my girlfriend’s house. The pony was really easy to ride and was not giving me any problems. However, he stopped to get a drink from the pond and I just slipped and fell off. Didn’t get hurt but I was so embarrassed. So, I just pet them and admire them. Your block is very cute indeed. Just need to win that copy of QM 100 Blocks, Volume 7 magazine. Thank you for the chance to win.

Wonderful Block. My sister-in-law loves horses too.. I can see me using this in a quilt for her. Thanks for designing this beautiful block.

Annie on
April 30th, 2013 7:34 am

My library system has a few of your books, so I put them on hold to check them out!

Margaret Schindler on
April 30th, 2013 7:47 am

Your block is so cute. I look forward to following your blog

Mary Jo on
April 30th, 2013 7:49 am

Who of us did NOT love horses as a child?? I was horse crazy!! Now that I am all grown up, I do live on a farm and have a miniature horse named Mr Ed, whom I love dearly, and some donkeys, along with cows, chickens, goats and sheep, too! My favorite horse color is white with black specs, just like your beloved Zora! Wish I had one of them so I could ride her everywhere, too!!

Jean on
April 30th, 2013 7:58 am

With all the different horse types who can make a complete quilt with the same block. What do you have in cats?

Lisa Mikel on
April 30th, 2013 7:59 am

Your block is charming! Congratulations on it being chosen, thanks for the chance to win.

Margaret Andrews on
April 30th, 2013 8:07 am

What a cute pony and so many different choices to sew. Can’t wait for Volume 7.

Very cute block and love that you provided options. The name, Zora is special to me. I knew a lady named Zora whose granddaughter is Zori. Two beautiful ladies.

Susan on
April 30th, 2013 9:53 am

It’s amazing that some of your best work is done concerning things we really hold near and dear. I am thrilled that your block is the magazine. They know what they are doing. And, wow, the sixth inclusion is wonderful. I think this block will be used and used for both boys and girls of many ages.
Thank you for being generous with your giveaway.

What a great design, and horses, no less, perfect. thanks for the chance to win.

Tamsyn on
April 30th, 2013 10:36 am

Great block. A good friend’s mare just delivered a foal. Such a wonderful sight!

Cher on
April 30th, 2013 10:44 am

I love your block. When I was a girl (also in 19$#%*”) we had a “Horse Lovers Club” because we loved them but lived in a city. We studied all the different types and even learned to draw them – all on our own with no adult supervision! Anyway, I can’t wait to make a quilt with your pony!

Judy S on
April 30th, 2013 10:44 am

A very nice design. One always has a horse lover in the family to make this for.

My MIL is named ZORA! What a great Blocks for little girls or boys who love their horses. Even the ones that have My Little Ponies collections. I like to applique. I tested your Sitting Kitty Block for Vol 5. Thanks for a chance to WIN Volume 7.

Jennifer Padden on
April 30th, 2013 12:12 pm

I too loved horses as a young girl. My dream was to ride in the home town parade with lots of sequins on my shirt and carry the American flag. How fun to remember those dreams! thanks of the opportunity to win.

soozspeak on
April 30th, 2013 12:18 pm

Love this pattern. I know what some of my friends are getting for Christmas now!

OK, don’t laugh, but when I was young, I thought I could grow my own pony by planting a horse hair in the flower bed. I can’t tell you how many hairs I planted, but I never did grow my own pony. Years later, after I got married, we lived on a little produce farm, and most of our friends and neighbors had horses, so I got to love ’em & ride ’em & brush ’em, all without the expense of owning one.

I love what you’ve drawn up & I’m proud for you that they included it in the book!! Congratulations!

Sandy A in St. Louis on
April 30th, 2013 5:35 pm

Wonderful pony! I can see a horn added to it to make a Unicorn, too!

Thanks for sharing!

Cecilia on
April 30th, 2013 5:41 pm

Great block! My granddaughters would love a quilt with your pony block in it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

Jackie C on
April 30th, 2013 5:46 pm

Very cute, love the Palomino, my favorite.

Janine Huisjen on
April 30th, 2013 5:48 pm

I don’t know much about horses, but I bet a little girl would love this block in all your variations–or maybe in “My Little Pony” colors.

JillB on
April 30th, 2013 5:49 pm

Love your block! With this short visit, it appears that I could spend hours looking through your blogs. Will get this added to my Bloglovin list!

I plan to use these in a round robin quilt. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!

Carol Kuse on
April 30th, 2013 6:34 pm

I have girls that love horses so they will love this block.

Emily C on
April 30th, 2013 7:02 pm

I’m so glad you got into this issue. I just love horses and this block is so versatile. Great block for my next childrens quilt.

Diane R on
April 30th, 2013 7:29 pm

I love the horses! Reminds me of the when my daughter was horse crazy and we would go to the Parade of Breeds at the Minnesota Horse Expo. The Icelandic Ponies were my favorite!

Simone Frotten on
April 30th, 2013 7:30 pm

Thank you for giving me a chance to win the 199 blocks magazine.

Laura on
April 30th, 2013 7:31 pm

Your block and the story behind it not only captured my attention, it captured my heart as well. I can so relate to this. I have a picture of my grandmother as a teenager standing by her buggy with her dapple gray, Belle, hitched up to it.

Congratulations on having your block selected for volume 7!

Kay Ahr on
April 30th, 2013 7:36 pm

I’d be tempted to make a bunch of those applique ponies. It would remind me of the wild horses near where I once lived in Nevada.

Bonnie Pfrimmer on
April 30th, 2013 7:37 pm

Your block is so cute..You are so creative!! Thanks for sharing your block with us.

Betty on
April 30th, 2013 7:39 pm

I was scared of horses as a child because they looked so big, but I think they are one of the most beautiful creatures on earth!

Shirley V on
April 30th, 2013 7:40 pm

A perfect block for a horse lover. What a great idea to be able to personalize it to look like a favorite pet.

The pictures of you and your mother riding horses are really sweet. Wonderful inspiration for quilting. This would be a great block to make for the Children’s Room at our local library. Thanks for the chance to win!

Laura G on
April 30th, 2013 7:42 pm

very cute block, thx for the chance to win!

Sandra Visser on
April 30th, 2013 7:43 pm

Grats on having your block chosen.

Franci on
April 30th, 2013 7:43 pm

My niece would go crazy for this block as wall hanging in her bedroom

Cathryn H on
April 30th, 2013 7:51 pm

I can see this is one block I will be making several of. I too love horses – although due to arthritis in my hips, I no longer ride. But I still have relatives with a love of horses who would get a kick out of a quilt made up of “Dream Pony”

Karen on
April 30th, 2013 7:52 pm

Love the horse…great for a child’s quilt, maybe my own grandson…:)
I have signed up to follow you and am hoping to learn all I can about appliqué from your site…:)
Thank you for the chance to win…

Janet Sabol on
April 30th, 2013 7:59 pm

That is so cool that you’ve designed the horse designs for different breeds. I’m going to continue to check out your site for applique info and designs.

Mary Arline S on
April 30th, 2013 7:59 pm

“Congratulations!” I have enjoyed my visit to your home page. I am going to have my
great neice visit with me have her select
which horse she would like. I plan on
making her a pillow. I will be back!

Libby Ernst on
April 30th, 2013 8:01 pm

Hi Kay, love your block. I cannot wait to put it on a quilt for my granddaughter. Thanks

Nancy M on
April 30th, 2013 8:02 pm

Your horse block is great for a girl’s quilt and the other fabric choices for more horses gives us lots to work with. Thank you for a chance to win the issue.

Louise Cheever on
April 30th, 2013 8:05 pm

I don’t applique but you might convince me.

Cindi C on
April 30th, 2013 8:16 pm

What a cute block. I know a little girl who is horse crazy, perfect for her.

A wonderful photo of your mother and a touching remembrance of her. This is a perfect block for a granddaughter’s quilt.

Terri E on
April 30th, 2013 10:00 pm

Your pony block is so cute! I loved seeing the pictures of you and your mother on the horses. Thanks for the chance to win.

usairdoll on
April 30th, 2013 10:04 pm

Congratulations on having your block accepted, year number six, awesome! Love your horse block. I grew up on a farm and have photos of myself riding. Thanks for sharing your photos, brings back great memories, hehe. This would be a fun block to make.

This is a wonderful block. I am making an oriental quilt for my daughter, but on the back with be different reminders of her childhood. This block will be perfect to portray her horse Gunna, a lovely grey.

Marca Fritzemeier on
May 1st, 2013 3:49 am

My first horse was an ornery Shetland pony named Ginger.

Lovie Ball on
May 1st, 2013 4:07 am

I think all young girls are a little horse crazy. I was unicorn crazy, and yes I can see your block made in non-horse colors and a small horn.

Maureen on
May 1st, 2013 5:26 am

Another wonderful block Kay! Thanks for a chance at the give-away!

diane in lecanto on
May 1st, 2013 5:39 am

this is a wnderful block,i know my grandaughter would love a quilt with your block,she is pony crazy,thank you for sharing

Diann Cornell on
May 1st, 2013 6:15 am

I have no experience with horses, but so many children love them. I’m sure your block will be made many times over.

Andrea Harles on
May 1st, 2013 6:54 am

My 5 year old son’s dream was to ride the horse at his day care from Virginia to California where he would become governor. Well he does live in CA now. Don’t horses promote great dreams.

Nice block -know someone to make one for
thank you for the chance to win

Donna Mitchell on
May 1st, 2013 11:59 am

Love your little pony and so did my granddaughter! I see a quilt in her future!

Thank you for the give-away and the adorable block!

Be Blessed
missd

Myra Ungerman on
May 1st, 2013 1:21 pm

I, too, had a pony when I was quite a bit older than you in the picture. I never made a quilt about or with horses, though. Intriguing notion! Will have to ponder that.
I love your books and blog, also the web site. I hope someone who loves horses (or at least loves animals) gets the book! Thanks for the chance.
Myra

Debbie H on
May 1st, 2013 3:41 pm

I love your Pony! Thanks for the chance to win.

cinzia on
May 1st, 2013 5:18 pm

isn’t it amazing how a few changes can make a dramatic difference. Perfect quilt block for many children I know

VickiT on
May 1st, 2013 5:48 pm

What a cute block Kay. Love the pics of your younger years on the pony. There must be something wrong with my new computer though because it added strange characters instead of the date on that first picture. LOL

Nancysue on
May 1st, 2013 8:02 pm

Wonderful block! Placed it on the list to sew for my son who wants to be a veterinarian. He’s 5, going on 25!

Jamie Todhunter on
May 1st, 2013 8:35 pm

I love all the examples of the different horses. Thank you for a chance to win.

Karrie Smith on
May 1st, 2013 8:47 pm

I love Dream Pony!!! Congrats!

Pamela R in Leaburg on
May 1st, 2013 9:17 pm

thks for the giveaway. Try listening to a song by Misty River: Little Black Pony!

Sandy W. on
May 1st, 2013 11:55 pm

Another clever design! My granddaughter will love it.

Carol Berge on
May 2nd, 2013 1:44 am

Love love your block. Congrats for getting in issue #7. Thanks for the chance to win this issue. So looking forward to getting the magazine so I can make your block.

Laurie on
May 2nd, 2013 1:45 am

Cute block, thanks for the giveaway.

claire on
May 2nd, 2013 9:35 am

You are so talented -this is a great block!

DEE on
May 2nd, 2013 10:27 am

Love the block – can always count on an exception applique block from you:)

Oh, I love these! I was a horse lover when I was little, too. Well, I still love them and I still never get to ride them. But, hey, I can sew them!

Thank you for the sweet pattern.

I’m new to this site, but I’m bookmarking it. I LOVE applique!

Ele W. on
May 2nd, 2013 1:50 pm

Oooooooooh, I know just the lady to make this for, and maybe a friend or two of hers. She just had a birthday, but she will have another one in about a year. I have done much applique and was in a swap doing this, with such wonderful results. I got to make a camel, a hot air balloon, and a sly fox peeking around a tree for that swap. Tons of fun working on those 12 blocks, and this one would be the same. Love that you suggest doing different colors of horses.